Dealing with Diaper Rash

Most babies will develop diaper rash at some point in their lives. While it can be caused by prolonged exposure to urine or stool in the baby’s diaper, even babies who are changed frequently and kept clean can develop diaper rash, so it’s not an indication of any deficiency in parenting. There are several ways that you can help prevent diaper rash or shorten its duration. Here are some of the better ones:

• Switch to cloth diapers. Babies in plastic, disposable diapers are a full seven times more likely to develop diaper rash than babies in cloth diapers. The cotton in the cloth diapers allows you baby’s skin to breathe much better than disposable diapers.
• Leave your baby’s bottom bare for a while between changings. Letting your baby have 10-20 minutes of “naked time” after each changing can help the skin to air out and reduce the duration of diaper rash.
• Use an ointment such as Desitin or A & D Ointment. Zinc Oxide ointments help soothe baby’s skin and reduce the duration of diaper rash.
• Change diapers frequently. While your baby has a diaper rash, it is especially important to change her often.
• Use a clean, warm wash cloth to wipe baby instead of commercial diaper wipes. The alcohol in most commercial wipes can aggravate a diaper rash. They’re fine to use when baby doesn’t have a rash, but can sting him when he’s suffering with a diaper rash already.
• If your baby is in day care, mention the diaper rash to those who care for him, and make sure that they are being diligent about changing him regularly. Generally speaking, it’s best to approach this in a way that doesn’t place blame. Make sure they know you think they’re taking great care of her (or you wouldn’t have her there) but that she needs a little extra care for her bum at the moment.
• Some supporters of herbal remedies suggest that putting a cold, wet tea bag in baby’s diaper can soothe baby’s discomfort and help cure the rash.

Remember, if your baby develops diaper rash, you’re not alone. Nearly all babies have one at least once. Do what you can to make baby comfortable and to treat the rash. If baby’s rash is persistent or lasts longer than a week, consult your pediatrician.

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